Feeling Inspired

After messing about with paper models I produced something I was very pleased with, and once shown to peers and tutors, I feel like it has really brought all my ideas together and I'm now working on creating samples that I'm really excited about!

So now I'm experimenting with using superstitious objects such as magpies, black cats, clovers etc. as yarn. I then intend to experiment with different materials to create my warp and use my laser cut yarn as the weft to weave new fabrics. I am really glad I have discovered this way to sample because I really enjoy weaving and feel like that is where my strengths lie, and the laser cutter and 3D printer will really help to produce some textured and interesting woven fabrics.

This is an artist I have found who makes rugs using a similar technique I intend to use:

http://www.dwell.com/how-they-make-it/article/little-field-flowers

 

Friday Drawing: Magpies

I really enjoyed today's Friday drawing because it allowed me to think more about how to use multiples in my work. We were asked to create a very small sample and then to expand from this sample for the rest of the session.
I used wire to make a small magpie and expanded on this by creating a chain with gradually larger magpies. I decided to make a stop motion animation of the process:

After this sesssion I think I'd like to experiment with chains of shapes and how I might use them to make samples. Will experiment with some paper cutting and folding and see if that provides any inspiration. 

Lazer Cutting

Having done lots of line drawings, and being shown how to manipulate them accurately on illustrator, we booked a session on the lazer cutter. We chose to work with wood for our first session, so I came up with some designs, this was my favourite:

 I really like the effects you can create with the wood and will definitely look to use it again in the future.
At the moment I'm still not sure what my context should be, and I need to think about using a wider range of materials.
I talked to Hazel today who suggested some kind of interactive element, so perhaps looking and childrens toys and linking it to my work.
At the moment my main problem is working out how to fit multiples into my samples and how using the lazer cutter will make this easier.

Superstition Stop Motion Animation

Over the Christmas holidays I have been trying to expand the superstitions I can represent visually. After collecting lots of responses from family and friends, I thought I'd have a go at "step on the cracks, break your mother's back".

After watching all the Wallice and Gromit films as part of the christmas tv schedule I thought it might be fun to experiment with stop motion animation so I bought an amateur stop motion animation app created by Aardman. This is the animation I made:

 

I think next time I make an animation I will have to be sure to make more frames that accurrately represent the movement. I did quite enjoy making it though and feel like it might be helpful later on, whether to record techniques, progress or as a piece with in its own rights.